Ta-Nehisi Coates deemed a ‘genius,’ trolls the Internet

The Atlantic’s Ta-Nehisi Coates joined the latest class of John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation Fellows, also known as “geniuses.” Coates, along with the 23 other fellows, will receive $625,000 over the next five years. Despite the achievement, the journalist hasn’t let the genius label go to his head.

You may refer to me as Genius Coates, Sir Genius, or He Who Holds Knowledge Of All Things In All Realms At All Times. http://t.co/1lOii5KaNF

— Ta-Nehisi Coates (@tanehisicoates) September 29, 2015

In an interview with The Atlantic’s Jeffrey Goldberg, Coates swatted at the the idea that he was anything but ordinary.

Goldberg: Is winning this prize going to make you unbearable, or merely insufferable?

Coates: Unbearably insufferable. And I now have an excuse—I am a genius, after all. Thus my insufferableness is a blessing. You should be happy I’m even communicating with you.

He also took time to respond to troll Twitter users’ well-wishes.

It's pronounced…https://t.co/HkHg45DgmO https://t.co/RmkASXuWRc

— Ta-Nehisi Coates (@tanehisicoates) September 29, 2015

Only a GENIUS would know what to do with it. https://t.co/1hetSDo77x

— Ta-Nehisi Coates (@tanehisicoates) September 29, 2015

I prefer GAWD of all GENIUSES! https://t.co/yb7lXb84JX

— Ta-Nehisi Coates (@tanehisicoates) September 29, 2015

Yes. But it can not be explained to the non-GENIUS brain. https://t.co/WJjc1qh1Jg

— Ta-Nehisi Coates (@tanehisicoates) September 29, 2015

GENIUS can't be purchased. One can't simply pick up GENIUS at the supermarket. You either have GENIUS. Or you suck. https://t.co/L8VAxNBSNZ

— Ta-Nehisi Coates (@tanehisicoates) September 29, 2015

Genius.